The China- only Ford Escort has been priced in the range of 99800 Yuan (Rs 10.02 lakh) to 124000 Yuan (Rs 12.53 lakh) for the local market. It is a B-segment sedan for the People's Republic and revives one of the most famous Ford of Europe monikers from the 20th century. The car will officially be launched at the Chinese Auto Market Show on January 20.
The Ford Escort has been brought in to replace the Ford Focus Classic but shares its underpinnings and engine lineup with the Classic. It will be sold alongside the new generation Focus as a more budget offering. This is similar practice that Ford is following in India with the Classic and the Fiesta.
The Escort by the look of things is a budget offering and like its siblings uses a large number of components from the Ford parts bin. Keeping that in mind a lot seems to be in order considering its price. However, one thing that has gone sour with the team at CarNewsChina is the fact that this car has no LCD for the music system which they say will be something that will go against the car. Like them, and considering the fact that nearly everything on the car is made in China, we too believe that Ford could have easily integrated an LCD system to give the vehicle a premium feel.
This car is powered by the 1.5-litre four-pot motor which in China market form produces 113bhp and 142Nm of torque. Gearbox options are expected to include the five-speed manual as well as a five-speed AT. All criticisms, apart we do love the way this car looks and believe that it would actually sell really well if launched in India.
